The City of Dayton is encouraging owners of properties destroyed or left unoccupiable by the May 27 tornadoes to consider deactivation of their water utility account so that no charges are accumulated during the vacancy period.

While some owners of destroyed or heavily damaged properties have already deactivated water service, the City wants to help additional owners impacted by the storms to avoid unnecessary charges.

For residential or commercial properties in the city of Dayton that have been deemed “destroyed” by City inspectors, the City will immediately deactivate an account to ensure that water service is shut off and that no charges accrue.

Owners of properties deemed as having “major damage” and that are unoccupiable for 30 days or more are encouraged to contact the City of Dayton as soon as possible to discuss if water service is needed and to establish possible account changes.

Customers who want to deactivate accounts or have questions are asked to call 937-333-3550 or to visit the customer service center at 101 W. Third St., ground floor.

The City of Dayton will also deactivate waste collection service and charges where needed and will consider special payment arrangements for customers in storm-affected areas for City utility bills received up to one week before the storms occurred.

Special arrangements for tornado-damaged properties cannot be made at retail payment locations processing routine water bills.

For Dayton utility customers located in Trotwood or Brookville, the Dayton Dept. of Finance will work with those cities to manage accounts and services for affected properties.